Fraiche MP3 Download: 100 Akres featuring Roz Bell "Pink Cadillac"

After his excellent debut "The First Sunbeams" failed to deliver much-deserved chart success, gifted Canadian crooner Roz Bell parted ways with Universal to create and release new music independently. For the past few months, he has been writing and collaborating with a hot new set of producers to put together songs for his upcoming new album, tentatively titled "October."

Bell's sound is best described as a sunny and laid-back blend of singer-songwriter pop. A good example of that is Bell's collaboration with Los Angeles R&B/hip hop producer 100 Akres on the genre-crossing "Pink Cadillac." 100 Akres seamlessly combines funk, electronic and hip hop influences while Roz lays down his distinct vocals to create a catchy summer gem. So glad that Bell is emerging back on the scene. He's one of the fraichest new talents to keep your eye on.

The 2007 Punch: My Favorite Albums of The Year

Róisín Murphy "Overpowered"Timeless and intelligent dance pop by a top-notch performer. Bring on more Róisín in 2008 please!

Siobhan Donaghy "Ghosts"Donaghy broke out of her girl group mold and pushed her artistic boundaries in exciting new directions. "Ghosts" is one of the most overlooked, yet sublime pop records of the year.

Charlotte Gainsbourg "5.55"Subtle, soft and chic. It is like Chanel No. 5 for your ears.

Darren Hayes "This Delicate Thing We've Made""This Delicate Thing We've Made" is just that. A delicate piece of work that takes you on a journey through time with Hayes' distinct vocals and Justin Shave's accomplished production stylings.

Kenna "Make Sure They See My Face"Genre-buster Kenna combines electronica, funk, pop and hip hop so elegantly that it rocks.

Will.I.Am "Songs About Girls"A bold solo record by one of the most genius producers of the moment.

Anouk "Who's Your Momma"Confident and honest, this rock chick tells it like it is. Expect "Good God" to climb the global charts in 2008.

Passenger "Wicked Man's Rest"Touching balladry sang by one of the year's most striking new voices.

Tracey Thorn "Out Of The Wood"A perfect marriage of style and substance. And her voice is priceless.

Roz Bell "The First Sunbeams"Bell combines songwriting talent with a laid-back attitude that is simply irresistible.

Klaxons "Myths Of The Near Future"These three lads got me dizzy on my feet when I saw them perform at Coachella back in April. This is rock and roll for the here and now.

Video Premiere: Roz Bell "Papercut"

Is the gray and cold getting you a little down today?

Roz Bell has just right amount of sunshine and handclaps to make it all a little better. Check out the brand-new video for his single "Papercut" that is taken from his debut album "The First Sunbeams." It is one of the most refreshing pop debuts of the years that was produced almost entirely by James Robertson (Esthero, Skye Sweetnam) and
mixed by Neal Pogue (Outkast, Citizen Cope, Transplants).

Leave it up this Canadian to wrap up his cool in a breezy, warming wrapper. Go Roz!

Roz Bell Brings On The Sunshine

ArjanWrites.com correspondent Will Wong attended Bell's album release party in Toronto last night to hear the handsome crooner perform a few songs from his debut album, titled "The First Sunbeams." An appropriate name for an album that packs a whole lotta sunshine with its upbeat, honest and laid-back pop tunes.

"Bell rocked the stage tonight previewing a handful
of key tracks from 'The First Sunbeams' with standout tracks 'Papercut,' 'In the Bathroom,' 'The Greatest Tragedy' and sunny first
single 'Yesterday Man,'" writes Wong. "Love was in the air with everyone there to show
their support for Bell, who is certain to be a front-runner at next
year's Juno Awards." More photos of the event here.

Get a guilt-free remix of "Yesterday Man" by Roz Bell that was producted by DJ Illo to get a taste of this emerging talent.